Nationalists and Nationalism in Nigeria History Primary 5 Lesson Notes

Nationalists and Nationalism in Nigeria
History Primary 5 Second Term Lesson Notes Week 2 and 3

Subject: History

Class: Primary 5

Term: Second Term

Week: 2 and 3

Age: 10-11 years

Topic: Nationalists and Nationalism in Nigeria

Behavioural Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

1. Define nationalism and explain its importance in Nigerian history.
2. Identify key Nigerian nationalists and their contributions to the fight for independence.
3. Explain the effects of nationalism on Nigeria’s independence.

Keywords

• Nationalism
• Nationalists
• Independence
• Colonialism
• Freedom
• Sovereignty

Set Induction

Show pupils pictures or videos of Nigerian nationalists such as Nnamdi Azikiwe, Herbert Macaulay, and Obafemi Awolowo. Ask, “Who are these people, and what do you think they did for Nigeria?”

Entry Behaviour

Students should have basic knowledge of Nigeria’s colonial history, including the concept of independence introduced during the first term.

Learning Resources and Materials

• Flashcards with names and pictures of Nigerian nationalists.
• A timeline chart of Nigeria’s road to independence.
• History textbooks.

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

• Recall the meaning of colonialism and how Nigeria was governed by Britain before independence.
• Discuss briefly the struggles faced by Nigerians under colonial rule, setting the stage for the importance of nationalism.

Embedded Core Skills

• Critical Thinking: Pupils analyze the role of nationalists in Nigeria’s independence.
• Communication: Pupils express their understanding of nationalism.
• Collaboration: Group discussions about nationalist contributions.

Learning Materials

• History textbooks.
• Flashcards with names and achievements of Nigerian nationalists.
• A Nigerian map showing areas of nationalist activities.

Reference Books

• Lagos State Scheme of Work.
• Primary 5 History Textbook.

Instructional Materials

• Pictures and flashcards of Herbert Macaulay, Nnamdi Azikiwe, and others.
• A whiteboard and markers.
• A printed timeline of events leading to Nigeria’s independence.

Content

Definition of Nationalism

Nationalism refers to the desire and efforts by a group of people to achieve independence and self-rule. In Nigeria, nationalism involved the fight for freedom from British colonial rule.

Who Are Nationalists?

Nationalists are individuals who played significant roles in the fight for Nigeria’s independence. They worked hard to ensure that Nigeria became a free and independent nation.

Key Nigerian Nationalists and Their Contributions

1. Herbert Macaulay:
   • Known as the father of Nigerian nationalism.
   • Established the Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP).
   • Advocated for self-governance and improved rights for Nigerians.
2. Nnamdi Azikiwe:
   • Played a major role in Nigeria’s independence struggle.
   • First president of Nigeria.
   • Founded newspapers to spread the message of freedom and equality.
3. Obafemi Awolowo:
   • Fought for better education and social development for Nigerians.
   • Advocated for independence and unity among Nigerians.
4. Ahmadu Bello:
   • Focused on the development of Northern Nigeria.
   • Encouraged unity among Nigerians to achieve independence.
5. Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti:
   • A women’s rights activist who fought against oppressive colonial policies.
   • Played a significant role in advocating for Nigeria’s independence.

Effects of Nationalism on Nigeria

1. Nationalism united Nigerians to fight for independence.
2. It led to the formation of political parties.
3. Increased awareness about the need for self-governance.
4. Nigeria gained independence on October 1, 1960.

Presentation

1. Step 1 (Revision of Previous Topic):
   • Revise the colonial history of Nigeria, including the challenges faced under British rule.
2. Step 2 (Introduction of New Topic):
   • Define nationalism and explain its importance.
   • Introduce the major Nigerian nationalists and their roles in the fight for independence.
3. Step 3 (Student Contributions and Corrections):
   • Allow students to share what they know about Nigerian independence.
   • Encourage them to discuss the contributions of the nationalists and correct any misconceptions.

Teacher’s Activities

1. Define nationalism and explain the roles of nationalists in Nigeria.
2. Display pictures of key Nigerian nationalists and discuss their contributions.
3. Ask pupils questions to assess their understanding of the lesson.

Learners’ Activities

1. Listen attentively and take notes during the lesson.
2. Participate in group discussions about the nationalists and their roles.
3. Answer questions posed by the teacher.

Assessment

Fill-in-the-Blank Questions:

1. __________ is the desire to achieve independence and self-rule.
2. __________ is known as the father of Nigerian nationalism.
3. Nigeria gained independence in the year __________.
4. __________ was the first president of Nigeria.
5. The fight for independence in Nigeria was led by __________.

Evaluation

1. Define nationalism.
2. Name three Nigerian nationalists and their contributions.
3. Explain the role of Herbert Macaulay in Nigeria’s independence.
4. What is the significance of nationalism in Nigerian history?
5. What year did Nigeria gain independence?

Conclusion

The teacher summarizes the lesson, emphasizing the contributions of Nigerian nationalists to the country’s independence. Pupils are encouraged to reflect on the importance of unity and patriotism in building a nation.

Civic Education Basic 6 Nigerian Nationalism